Illinois Officials Urge Drivers to Prepare for Winter Weather

SPRINGFIELD — As snow and ice season approaches, Illinois officials are reminding residents to prepare for winter travel through the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign. The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, and Illinois Tollway are readying equipment, staff, and salt supplies, and are urging drivers to slow down, give extra travel time, check road conditions, and carry emergency kits. Drivers are advised to watch for black ice, maintain vehicle safety, avoid unnecessary trips during storms, and follow plows and emergency vehicles safely. IDOT will deploy nearly 1,900 trucks to plow more than 45,000 lane miles statewide, while the Illinois Tollway will use 196 snowplows and 105,000 tons of salt to keep roads clear. Officials emphasize that preparation and cautious driving are key to preventing crashes and ensuring safety during winter storms.